Related

Rather than returning Bobby Hart to his previous post however, the Giants intend to make a more drastic change by starting rookie Chad Wheeler, reports NJ Advanced Media.

With right tackle Justin Pugh out with a back injury, rookie Chad Wheeler is set to make his first career start, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Regardless of how the other four spots along the offensive line shake out, Sunday’s changes will represent the seventh different combination protecting quarterback Eli Manning in 10 games this season.

Entering the weekend, it was anticipated that Ereck Flowers would remain at left tackle, John Jerry would start at left guard, Brett Jones at center and D.J. Fluker at right right guard.

Wheeler, who signed with the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent out of USC, has impressed offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan.

“He’s been a guy since he’s been here – very athletic, has the feet that you like that you’ve seen all through training camp,” Sullivan told reporters on Thursday. “We saw that in some of his preseason games and there’s a, believe it or not, unlike most of the typical southern Californians, too cool, surfer-type, he’s got a mean streak to him and you see that at times.

“He’s progressing nicely. He’s really had work at various positions to try to mix all those guys up around the offensive line both – not just on one side or the other, but even working some at guard. So, he’s been progressing nicely.”